4 Simple Tips To Teach Your Baby To Roll Over

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Seeing your baby yawn with his pink mouth, feeling his satin soft finger tips and toes, hearing his squeal of joy… these are some of the best memories you will treasure forever. Similarly, your newborn baby too has milestones to be touched upon. One of these milestones is the act of rolling over.

This is an important milestone in your baby’s life, since his ability to sit, walk and move around starts with her rolling over. This entire process is divided into different stages. The first stage in the process of getting mobile is rolling over. This is the stage that finally would lead your baby to walking and sitting. We are sure you’re already waiting for your baby to learn rolling over. Here are some tips to help you understand your baby’s ‘rolling over’ stage.

When Will My Baby Start Rolling Over?

Most babies start rolling over during one of their tummy times. Tummy times are as the times when your baby is placed flat on his tummy. Generally, babies learn to roll over

once they turn 4 months old. But then, every baby differs from the other and so does the growth rate. This phase can arrive a little late or even a little earlier in different babies.

Two Stages Of Baby Rolling Over:

The time when your baby gains better head control and learns slowly to support and sit all on his own, he will also learn to roll over. When we say rolling over, we mean the complete “roll”. Babies learn rolling over in two stages.

1. Belly to back

2. Back to belly

While the first kind may start as early as 4 months, the second comes a little later. When your baby starts doing both kinds in continuity, which is a complete roll.

How Babies’ Body Prepare To Roll Over?

Most babies learn to roll from their back to belly by the time they turn 5-6 months old. Turning from back to belly needs stronger arms and neck muscles. These muscles take more time to develop and strengthen.

Once your little baby turns 3 months old, he can start lifting his head a little high while lying on tummy. This helps him strengthen and develop muscles that he would use to roll over. Slowly, by the time your baby is 5 months old, he will be able to lift his chest a little high from the ground.

[ Read: 5 Months Baby Food ]

What To Expect Next?

When your baby lifts his head a little high, he would strengthen his arms and push up his arms a little. This is how he will soon learn to lift his chest off ground and do the flip. He might also kick his legs and rock forth and back a bit. These will help your baby soon turn and flip both sides.

Once your baby learns to roll over both ways – belly to back and back to belly – he will then gradually learn to sit independently. This happens generally between 6-8 months.

How Can You Help Baby Learn To Roll Over?

We know your baby will learn to roll over naturally. But you too can render some assistance and help him adapt to this new skill better. Here’s how:

Encourage your baby to flip from belly to back and vice versa.

Keep toys around your baby’s reach to help him roll sides.

Always applaud and appreciate your baby’s efforts

Always be very careful and alert. Never leave your baby unattended, especially after he learns to roll over.

Once your baby learns to roll over, always make him lie on flat surfaces. Elevated beds might lead to serious injury at times.

[ Read: When Baby Starts Sitting ]

What If Your Baby Takes Longer To Roll Over?

Every baby is different from the other. Do not panic if your baby doesn’t start to roll over as quickly as other babies. Wait patiently and remember, all babies learn different skills differently.

Take it easy. Many babies skip the rolling over part totally and move onto next stage.

Each baby differs from the other. It is wrong to compare your baby’s growth to others.

Discuss the issue with your baby’s doctor and take his or her advice on it.

If you’ve had a premature baby, your baby might reach this and other milestones a little later than other babies.

Make the most of your baby’s first step in his developing his postural control. Enjoy this milestone and help him as much as you can. After all, this is his first stage of independence.

If you have some experiences to share on baby rolling over, please tell us and leave your comments below.